Triobol of Ptolemy I c. 305

Editor: Here we have the Triobol of Ptolemy I. I find it fascinating that such a small object carries so much historical weight. How do we interpret the imagery on this coin in terms of power and identity? Curator: This coin isn't just currency; it's propaganda. Ptolemy I, one of Alexander the Great’s generals, claimed legitimacy through these images. The portrait is idealized, projecting an image of strength and Hellenistic virtue. The eagle is a symbol of Zeus and thus authority. What does it tell you about the construction of power in the Hellenistic period? Editor: So, it's about visually linking himself to both Alexander and the gods? Curator: Exactly. It's carefully constructed iconography designed to legitimize Ptolemy's rule in Egypt, embedding him within a specific narrative of power. Power structures continue to be relevant today, and this piece is interesting in how it conveys it. Editor: It's amazing how such a small object can reveal so much about history. Curator: Indeed. It makes you think about what objects today might tell future generations about our power structures.